Civil Air Patrol Buying New Cessna Airplanes Built In Independence, Kansas

The Skyhawks which are produced at the company's facility in Independence, Kansas in Montgomery County will be delivered throughout the first half of 2015.

Monday, February 2nd 2015, 11:31 am

By: News On 6

Civil Air Patrol Buying New Cessna Airplanes Built In Independence, Kansas

Cessna announced Monday an order from the U.S. Civil Air Patrol for 21 new Cessna Skyhawk 172 aircraft.

The company says the Skyhawks which are produced at the company's facility in Independence, Kansas in Montgomery County will be delivered throughout the first half of 2015, replacing older models in CAP's fleet.

Oklahoma Wing Commander Colonel Joe Cavett said the final distribution of the aircraft hasn't been finalized.

"However, Oklahoma Wing anticipates that we will be able to put the aircraft to good use with our growing mission scope providing aerial support for search and rescue as well as our growing flight academy for CAP cadets."

Cessna says the Civil Air Patrol operates a fleet of 550 aircraft, most of which are Skyhawks and Cessna Skylane 182 airplanes.

“Few things are as fulfilling to all of us than our continued support of the CAP, our largest customer for single-engine piston aircraft,” said Joe Hepburn, senior vice president, Piston Aircraft.

“The men and women of the CAP are involved in search-and-rescue operations, disaster relief, flight training, youth development and in promoting aviation throughout the country. We are proud to provide them aircraft in support of their mission.”